Despite a betting plunge on the Dees, and a cheeky banner from the Cheer Squad suggesting that the Sydney Olympics were the only action the city would see in September, Melbourne were forced to mount an epic comeback in the last quarter only to fall just short at the end.

After eight goals in his first two games James Cook suffered an ankle injury in the second quarter, throwing the Demons forward line structure into disarray, while on the other side Sydney were busy kicking six goals in each of the first three quarters. David Neitz also failed to play four quarters, suffering a knee injury.

Starting the last quarter 35 points down, Melbourne kicked the first four goals of the last quarter to get within 11 points 19 minutes into the term before Brett Allison kicked the sealer. Just seconds before Jeff White looked like he was going to take a mark 20m out, directly in front but a late spoil from Andrew Schauble kept the ball alive and allowed his teammates to move it from one end to the other where Allison goalled. Adem Yze replied, but a David Schwarz marking attempt 30 metres from goal wasn't paid and Melbourne ran out of time.

Leoncelli, Powell and Woewodin were best.

MediaAge - 27/03/2000
Herald Sun - 27/03/2000
Age - 29/03/2000

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